Seychelles Travel Guide: Plan Your Visit to The Seychelles

Sure, the Seychelles are idyllic, but how do you plan your Seychelles trip? This step-by-step Seychelles travel guide covers all you need to know.

Picture this: you’re lying on a pristine white-sand beach, skin cosseted by the balmy air, the silence punctuated only by the gentle hiss of sea on shore and the occasional rustle of a palm tree swaying in the breeze. Sounds like a fantasy, right? Welcome to the Seychelles.

This stunning archipelago of 115 islands strung out across the western Indian Ocean like a beach-fringed necklace, might look too good to be real, but I assure you, it isn’t.

Personally, I’ve had two magical trips in Seychelles and I want to help you do the same. This guide covers every aspect of travelling to the Seychelles – the best time to visit, how to get there, what to do when you do, suggested stays and itineraries as well as a hella lot of practical tips you need to know before you go.

Wanna Take a Sneak Peek? Check Out My Youtube Video on Planning Your Trip to the Seychelles!

Before You Go: Top Tips for Your Seychelles Trip

Best Time to Visit Seychelles

Visiting Seychelles is best from April to May and October-November as it sits between the two trade winds.

The Northwest Trade Wind runs between November-March and brings the wet season, while the Southeast Wind from May to September brings rough seas.

That said, I’ve visited in both January and July and while the weather wasn’t perfect (as evidenced by this video) on balance, we had far more sunny days than rainy ones, so don’t expect a non-stop deluge if you do travel in the lower seasons.

Handy Resources for Getting To Seychelles

Skyscanner: Using Skyscanner, you can easily find and book flights to Seychelles at the best prices.
Booking.com: Booking.com can help travellers quickly book hotels in Seychelles with a wide selection of options and great prices.
Get Your Guide: If you want to book guided tours in Seychelles, getyourguide.com can help you find a wide variety of experiences available from experienced local guides.

Where to Stay in Seychelles

Mahe is the biggest island in Seychelles and almost certainly where you’ll start your trip as it’s where the international airport is located.

Don’t think that because it’s the biggest island that Mahe doesn’t have plenty to offer though – it boasts more than its fair share of gorgeous beaches and high-end hotels – as such it is a worthy contender for you to base yourself on during your trip.

If you mainly want to base yourself on one island but still see a variety of what the Seychelles have to offer, then you can also look at Praslin and La Digue – two of the archipelago’s more popular islands.

Praslin in particular is a good option if you want to take day trips to some of the smaller islands like Curieuse, Grande Soeur and Aride as there are a few operators offering tours for you to do so.

If, however, you’re after the ultimate paradise escape, I can’t recommend booking a stay at the Four Seasons Desroches enough – located on a private island that’s a 35-minute flight from Mahe, it’s the closest thing you can get to getting away from it all.

If you have more than a week to play with, my suggestion is to plan to stay on a couple of different islands – there are some suggested itineraries later on in this guide.

Packing for Your Seychelles Trip

Lightweight, layered clothing is key when packing for Seychelles. Pack some comfy sandals, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s glare. Don’t forget your swimsuit either.

Travel Insurance

There are always possible risks associated with travelling to a new place. This is why travel insurance can help protect travellers from unexpected events or costs that may arise during their trip.

Travel insurance can cover lost or stolen luggage, medical expenses in case of an unexpected injury or illness, and even financial protection.

Suggested Seychelles Travel Guidebooks

Want a hard-copy Seychelles travel guide to bring with you? My picks are Underwater Guide to Seychelles, Seychelles Marco Polo Pocket Travel Guide, and The Ultimate Seychelles Travel Guide 2023.

Seychelles Visitor Guide: What to Do During Your Seychelles Trip

Top 10 Things to Do in Seychelles

Take a Boat Ride

Boat trips in Seychelles offer a truly unique experience. Boat trips offer the chance to explore hidden coves, snorkel with sea turtles or just relax on board a traditional wooden dhoni and soak in the beauty of nature.

If you can book onto a trip to the private island of Grande Souer from Praslin – do it! The island is home to a gorgeous beach and is a fantastic snorkelling spot thanks to a thriving reef.

Another great alternative is to book a boat trip to St Anne Marine National Park from Mahe.

Go Island Hopping

Island-hopping in Seychelles is an unforgettable experience. Whether you explore by boat, kayak or even from the sky, the diverse and stunning scenery these islands offer will amaze you.

I spent some of my most recent trip to Seychelles on a Ponant cruise as it enabled me to visit quite a few of the islands – including some pretty out-the-way ones like Remire – alternatively, if you have the resource, you can always charter a yacht.

Read Next: Best Cruises around the Seychelles

Laze on the Beautiful Beaches

From calm lagoons to wild waves, Seychelles has something for everyone looking for a beach paradise.

With their crystal clear waters and rock-framed white-sand beaches, Anse Lazio on Praslin Island and Anse Source D’Argent on La Digue are often called one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Enjoy the Capital City, Victoria

The capital city of Seychelles is Victoria, located on the main island of Mahé. Victoria is a charming city with brightly-coloured buildings, shady parks, and fascinating historical sites.

Meet a Few Giant Tortoises

The Seychelles giant tortoise is a species of giant tortoise native to the islands of Seychelles off the coast of East Africa. These gentle giants can live up to 150 years, making them some of the longest-lived vertebrates on earth.

You can find the Aldabra tortoises on many of the islands, but Curieuse is a particularly good spot as there’s a tortoise sanctuary where you can see lots of these gentle giants.

Read more: Curieuse Island Travel Guide

Snorkel in the Crystal Waters

What really makes snorkelling in Seychelles unique is its diverse range of underwater attractions. From caves and walls full of vibrant corals to deeper shipwrecks on the sea floor, there is something for everyone to explore.

Top spots include Grande Soeur West, where the snorkelling is spectacular.

Explore the National Parks

The Seychelles is home to some of the most beautiful and pristine national parks in the world. The two main parks are Vallée de Mai National Park on Praslin Island and Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahe Island.

Spend a Day on Mahe, the Largest Seychelles Island

Mahe is the largest and most populated island in the Seychelles archipelago, in the Indian Ocean off of east Africa. It is known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush tropical forests.

Read more: Mahé Travel Guide

See the Tea Plants

Seychelles produces some of the world’s finest teas, particularly green tea. The island nation has various tropical tea plants, from small bushes to larger trees.

Tour the Rum Distillery

Touring the Takamaka rum distillery begins with a comprehensive tour of the facility. Visitors will learn about the history of rum making in Seychelles and how locally sourced ingredients help create original recipes.

Suggested Seychelles Trip Itineraries

From exploring vibrant reefs and hiking scenic trails to trying exotic dishes and relaxing on pristine beaches, there’s something for everyone in Seychelles.

Essential Itinerary

You can see all the main points with this itinerary, although you won’t find many hidden gems. Note: I recommend doing this on a two-week trip to save you from rushing around.

Mahe — Moyenne (Day Trip) — Praslin — Curieuse (Day Trip) — La Digue — Mahe.

Explore The Path Less Taken

With a little more time to spare, you can explore secluded beaches and hidden natural beauties.

Mahe — La Digue — Praslin — Curieuse (Day Trip) — Aride (Day Trip) — Mahe — Fregate / Desroches / Remire — Mahe.

Hidden Seychelles – Seychelles Off the Beaten Path

There are many hidden gems in Seychelles. One of the best is Anse Major, a secluded beach with miles of untouched shoreline. Visitors can swim and snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, relax on white sand beaches or stroll through the lush tropical forest.

To top off a stay in Seychelles, check out Silhouette Island – an isolated haven filled with rare plants and animals.

Seeing as most visitors stay in the reaches of the Inner Seychelles, any trip to the Outer Seychelles will take you off the beaten track, but as many of the islands, like Desroches, are only accessible with a stay at a high-end resort, it does come with a price.

How to See the Best of Seychelles For Free

I do warn people that the cost of visiting Seychelles can be high. But there are a few ways to enjoy things for free.

The Beaches – From long stretches of white sand beaches on La Digue Island to hidden coves along Praslin Island, there’s no shortage of breathtaking spots to relax or participate in beach activities.

Under the Sea – With vibrant coral reefs and shallow lagoons brimming with colourful fish, visitors can enjoy snorkelling adventures straight from the shore without setting foot in a boat or paying expensive tour fees.

Join the Locals – Visit one of the traditional Creole markets, where you can chat with locals or purchase souvenirs. Victoria Market on Mahe is one of the biggest.

Dishes to Try in Seychelles

Restaurant Food Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Seafood Creole – A combination of shrimp, calamari and mussels cooked in a thick tomato sauce.

Grilled Fish – Whether barracuda or red snapper, you can’t go wrong with freshly caught fish grilled over coals or on a barbecue pit.

Kari Koko — This popular snack is a spicy coconut curry dish made with either chicken or fish, fragrant spices and chilli peppers.

Top Drinks in Seychelles

Takamaka Bay rum cocktails — Packed with ingredients native to the islands, Seychelles rum cocktails tantalise your taste buds and whisk you away to paradise.

Coco Yaourt – This unique blend of coconut milk and yoghurt is sweet and refreshing, making it an ideal drink for when you’re feeling hot and need to cool down.

Seybrew – If you want something slightly stronger than beer, try a glass of Seybrew, a light lager made with local ingredients such as breadfruit, cassava and spices.

Seychelles Travel Guide: Things to Know Before You Go to Seychelles

Tips for Travelling to Seychelles

Get Your Immigration Form Processed Early: You need to do this within 72 hours of your flight, but the earlier you get it done, the better. It costs 10 € per person, and you can find the requirements on the official website.
Be Respectful: Out of respect for local customs, travellers should dress modestly while visiting religious sites in Seychelles, such as churches or temples.
Know Your Currency: The official currency in Seychelles is the Seychellois rupee (SCR). You can exchange it at banks or foreign exchange bureaus in hotels or the airport upon arrival. However, most hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, so cash may only sometimes be necessary.

Tipping in Seychelles

Picnic at Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Tipping servers in Seychelles is customary, even though it is not mandatory or expected. It is polite to leave a small tip for good service, usually 10-15% of the total bill.

In most restaurants, you will tip at the end of a meal. However, some establishments may include a service charge, so check the bill before leaving additional tips.

Interesting Facts About Seychelles

Seychelles is home to the world’s smallest capital, Victoria.
Seychelles hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, including five endemic species of bird found nowhere else in the world.
The nation’s official language is Creole, though many locals also speak English, French, and German.
Seychelles has a rich variety of wildlife and plants with many endemic species. These include the giant tortoises on several inner granitic islands, such as Aldabra Atoll – one of the world’s largest coral atolls.
The country has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, including Anse Source d’Argent and Anse Lazio on La Digue Island.

Read more: Best Beaches in The Seychelles

Handy Phrases for Travelling to Seychelles

As mentioned, Seychelles speak Creole officially. So here’s a short list of sayings to know when exploring the many Seychelles islands.

“Bonzour” (Good morning)
“Bonnwit” (Goodnight)
“Mersi” (Thank you)
“Wi” (Yes)
“Non” (No)
“Alo” (Hello)
“Ed mwan!” (Help!)
“Atansyon!” (Look out!)
“Mon pa konn koz kreol [byen]” (I can’t speak Seychellois Creole [well])
“Eski ou konn koz Angle {pronounced as Anglay}?” (Do you speak English?)

Seychelles Time Zones

Seychelles is in the Indian Ocean and follows the Eastern African Time Zone UTC+04:00. This is one hour ahead of the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The country does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time remains the same throughout the year.

Electricity + Adapters

The standard voltage in Seychelles is 240 V AC, and the frequency is 50 Hz. The most common type of plug used in the country is plug type G.

Seychelles Health

One of the great things about visiting Seychelles is that, despite it being a tropical destination (there being so many mosquitoes), there is no malaria risk! There are a few vaccinations suggested for anyone vacationing in Seychelles, but overall there is no huge risk.

Seychelles Transport

Julianna Cycling Runway Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Transport in Seychelles is quite varied and efficient. The most popular way of getting around the islands is by car or motorbike, as the roads are well-maintained, and drivers generally abide by the road rules.

There are also several local bus services that run throughout the day, which are an affordable way to get around. Taxis are in many towns and cities, and cycling is becoming increasingly popular, with custom-built bike lanes now available on many main roads.

Getting between the islands is quite easy, too, with ferries, boat trips, and even flights available. You can also book onto a cruise or chartering a catamaran for travelling between islands.

Safety in Seychelles

Seychelles has an excellent reputation when it comes to being safe for travellers. The crime rate in Seychelles is low, and violent crimes are rare.

As you travel to Seychelles, take precautions as they would with any other destination by avoiding dark or isolated areas and not leaving valuables unattended.

It’s also important to be aware of pick-pocketing and other petty theft, which can occur in crowded areas such as markets or tourist attractions.

Costs and Budgeting

If you’re looking for a winter vacation on a budget, Seychelles is not ideal. Seychelles is known for its high cost of living, with prices for goods and services far higher than in other countries.

Although the cost of living has risen dramatically over recent years, there are still ways to spend wisely to save money.

Tourist attractions often require bookings and tickets, which can be expensive if purchased last minute. You can also take advantage of deals offered by airlines or hotels when booking travel arrangements; these can sometimes result in significant savings.

Seychelles Map

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Seychelles Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit Seychelles